The 1958 Chevrolet Impala stands as one of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history. Despite the challenges faced by the auto industry during a recession year, the Impala emerged as a massive success for General Motors. Introduced on October 29, 1957, by popular singers Dinah Shore and Pat Boone through TV commercials, the 1958 Impala quickly became a favorite among car enthusiasts and younger buyers. Its striking design and new features made it one of the most memorable cars of its era.

A Complete Overhaul: The Redesigned 1958 Chevrolet Impala

For 1958, Chevrolet completely redesigned its lineup, giving the Impala a longer, lower, and wider appearance. The introduction of new quad headlights was one of the standout features that year, a design element shared across all General Motors products. Guided by the vision of GM’s vice president of styling, Harley Earl, the Impala’s redesign was further enhanced by Clare MacKichan and the entire design team. The 1958 Chevrolet bodies were built on a new “Safety Girder” frame, which featured innovative X-type construction with cross members and a central tube, adding both strength and safety to the vehicle.

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Watch this video to see the full build of a rusted-out 1961 Chevy Impala transformed into a revved-up red sled!

The 1958 Impala Models: Hardtop and Convertible

The 1958 Chevrolet Impala was available only in two body styles: hardtop and convertible. While the distinctive tail fins from the 1957 model were removed, they were brought back for 1959 with an even more pronounced design. Despite the higher price tag of $2,693, the Impala became a best-seller in the United States, proving that its appeal far outweighed the cost.

A Striking Look: The Unique Design Elements of the 1958 Impala

One of the key features that set the 1958 Chevrolet Impala apart from other cars was its bold and unique design elements. The car’s front fender top ornaments and four short vertical strips on the rear fenders gave it a sleek and stylish appearance. Additional trim features, including the “Impala” script insignia and crossed-flag emblem, further elevated its visual appeal. Some designers even referred to the Impala’s horizontal fins as “barrage balloons,” highlighting the bold and eye-catching nature of the design.

The Impala Becomes a Best-Seller

Despite the 1958 Chevrolet Impala’s higher price point, it quickly gained popularity and became one of the top-selling vehicles in the U.S. At the time, Charles Jordan, who later became GM’s vice president of design, described the front of the Impala as “pretty straightforward” but praised the flair of the rear design, especially with the addition of the three taillights that gave the car a distinctive look. The unique rear design, which incorporated three separate taillights, became one of the most recognized features of the Impala.

A Product of Innovation: The “Safety Girder” Frame

One of the major advancements of the 1958 Chevrolet Impala was its newly developed “Safety Girder” chassis. This re-engineered frame featured X-type construction, designed to enhance the vehicle’s safety and structural integrity. This innovative design was a breakthrough for General Motors and helped set the Impala apart from other vehicles of the time, offering both style and a higher level of protection for passengers.

The Role of Advertising and Promotion

Chevrolet took several approaches to promote the 1958 Impala. The vehicle was featured in a promotional photo shoot at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, which showcased the car’s sleek design. Additionally, the Impala was included in the 1958 General Motors Golden Jubilee advertising catalog, celebrating 50 years of GM’s success. The TV commercials featuring Dinah Shore and Pat Boone were also a key part of the promotional campaign, reaching a wide audience and further solidifying the Impala’s place in automotive history.

The Impala Show Car: A Preview of Things to Come

In 1956, Chevrolet introduced a fiberglass show car called the “Impala,” which served as a preview for the 1958 model. The show car featured a design that could accommodate five passengers and was equipped with a distinctive bumper and grille as a single integrated unit. The styling of the front and rear closely resembled the 1956 Corvette, hinting at the sleek design direction Chevrolet would take with the Impala two years later.

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Watch this video to see the complete renovation of Ralph’s 1958 Impala, featured on RMD Garage on Discovery Turbo!

The Enduring Legacy of the 1958 Chevrolet Impala

The 1958 Chevrolet Impala remains a highly regarded classic car today. Its blend of innovative design, safety features, and performance made it a standout vehicle in its time. Even now, automotive enthusiasts seek out and restore these iconic cars, with a newly restored 1958 Chevrolet Impala convertible or sports coupe often fetching over $30,000. This enduring popularity speaks to the timeless appeal of the 1958 Impala, a car that continues to captivate the hearts of collectors and classic car lovers alike.

In conclusion, the 1958 Chevrolet Impala was more than just a car; it was a symbol of innovation and style that defined an era. From its sleek new design to its groundbreaking safety features, the Impala set the standard for future Chevrolet models and remains a cherished classic to this day.